Windowed Shoe Box and Shoe Dock

ABSTRACT

A container comprises a first side with an opening in a center portion. A second side is parallel to the first side. A third side is perpendicular to the first side and the second side, and the third side spans between the first side and the second side. A fourth side is perpendicular to the first side and the second side, the fourth side spans between the first side and the second side, and the fourth side is parallel to the third side. A bottom side has edge portions integrally formed with edge portions of each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side. A top side is parallel to the bottom side. And, an edge portion of the top side is integrally formed with second edge portion of the second side.

This application claims the benefit of priority of provisional patent application 61/282,291, filed Jan. 15, 2010, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to containers and a mounting system for inclusion in the container. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a windowed shoe box with an insert for docking shoes.

BACKGROUND

Most current shoe boxes do not provide a window for viewing contents. Few shoe boxes are available with windows. An example of such boxes are Robeez children's shoe boxes. The lid portion of the box has a window. The lid either wraps around and tucks into slots in the box or the lid open and closes in a book style.

Other shoe boxes have an area to mount a photograph of the contents, or have a sticker with content information. Such a system requires a user to match the correct shoe back to the correct box for a visual storage system to work.

In addition, current shoe storage methods can result in a situation where an edge on one shoe mars a surface on another shoe in the box. Decorative trim can also be jarred or crumpled in current shoe storage systems.

SUMMARY

In an effort to provide an easier storage system with greater visual appeal, Applicant proposes a windowed shoe box that allows a viewer to quickly see the contents. A proposed docking platform, or tray, can provide separation, protection, or anchoring functions to footwear. The container and tray can be sized and shaped to fit a variety of footwear, especially heeled shoes, such as pumps or boots.

In one embodiment, a container comprises a first side with an opening in a center portion. A second side is parallel to the first side. A third side is perpendicular to the first side and the second side, and the third side spans between the first side and the second side. A fourth side is perpendicular to the first side and the second side, the fourth side spans between the first side and the second side, and the fourth side is parallel to the third side. A bottom side has edge portions integrally formed with edge portions of each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side. A top side is parallel to the bottom side. And, an edge portion of the top side is integrally formed with second edge portion of the second side.

In another embodiment, a tray for holding footwear comprises a surface. The surface has at least one indentation for holding toe portions, at least two indentations for holding heel portions, at least two upwardly projecting portions for holding arch portions, and at least four upwardly projecting stays for preventing lateral movement of toe portions.

In yet another embodiment, a tray is removably insertable into a footwear container. The tray comprises a surface. The surface comprises at least one area comprising a material that can be compressed to hold toe portions, at least two areas comprising a material that can be compressed to hold heel portions, at least two upwardly projecting portions for holding arch portions, and at least four upwardly projecting stays for preventing lateral movement of toe portions.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an example of a template for a windowed shoe box.

FIG. 2 is an example of an assembled template.

FIG. 3 is an example of an open assembled shoe box.

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the area X in FIG. 3 showing an exterior covering material overlapping an interior edge of the shoe box.

FIG. 5 is an alternative enlargement of the area X in FIG. 3 showing an interior covering material peeled back from covering the exterior covering material of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view of the interior side of the front side of a shoe box having exterior covering material overlapping a top edge and a portion of an interior covering material peeled back to expose a transparent material overlapped by the interior covering.

FIG. 7 is an example of a first insert having a pair of shoes set on the insert.

FIG. 8 is an example of a first insert installed in a windowed shoe box.

FIG. 9 is an example of a second insert.

FIG. 10 is an example of a fully assembled shoe box.

FIG. 11 is an example of an open windowed shoe box.

FIG. 12 is a left side view of a shoe box.

FIG. 13 is a right side view of a shoe box.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a shoe box.

FIG. 15 is a back view of a shoe box.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a shoe box.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a shoe box.

FIG. 18 is an alternative embodiment of an insert having a coil spring attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A container for holding a pair of heeled shoes comprises a box-like design with a transparent area suitable for viewing the contents. The opening for the box may comprise a lid that is integral with a side of the box, so that the box is a one-piece construction. The transparent area may comprise a window in a side of the box that is not affixed to the lid portion.

The box may include a removably insertable docking system for preventing shoes from scuffing each other, for supporting the shoe in an upright position, or for preventing the shoes from scuffing against the sides of the box

A contemplated method for constructing the box and dock is outlined below in reference to the drawings.

Measure and draw a template outline of the box on box board. Cut out the template using a cutting tool such as an EXACTO knife or other precision tool.

The template is shown in FIG. 1. The template includes a first, or front side 1, a second, or back side 2, a third, or left side 3, a fourth, or right side 4. A bottom 5 connects to the first, second, third, and fourth sides 1-4. A top side 6 connects to the second side 2. The top side 6 can include optional lip portions 7-9. A window area 10 is present in the first side.

The window area 10 of the template may include an opening in a side of the box that creates a viewing area for approximately one-half of the side in which the window area 10 is placed. The window area 10 may be off-set from center, or the window area 10 may be centered. The window area 10 may also provide more or less than a 50% viewing area. The template of FIG. 1 may also include scoring along folding edges 11-17 to allow the box material to bend into the box structure.

To form the box structure, the template is folded along the folded edges 11-17. The box may be secured in its shape using, for example, rubber bands or string, while an adhesive such as glue is applied to the scored folded edges 11-17 and to the mating edges of the folded template. At least a second coating of adhesive may be applied to folded edges 11-17 and to mating edges of the template for additional strength. The adhesive can be allowed to dry thoroughly, and all folding edges 11-17 can be adhered well before proceeding to upholster or line the box.

FIG. 2 shows the box in a closed configuration. The box of FIG. 2 is without the interior dock or a pair of shoes. The window area 10 allows interior surfaces of the box to be viewed.

A transparent window material 22 may be affixed to the window area 10. Transparent window material 22 can be any suitable plastic or other sheet material. Transparent window material 22 may be affixed to cover the opening of window area 10. A possible method for adhering transparent window material can comprise the following steps. Measure and cut a clear plastic sheet to a size slightly larger than window area 10. Apply adhesive, such as spray glue, around the rim of the cut plastic sheet. Attach the cut plastic sheet to a surface of the box surrounding window area 10 and allow adhesive to dry fully.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the box in an open state. The lid is an extension of a side of the box, making the box a one-piece design.

While the box can function without upholstering or other exterior cover, the box has additional support through a fabric, or other sheet material, covering. While the box of FIG. 3 is shown uncovered, a covering 20 is shown in FIG. 4 on a section (X) of the box of FIG. 3. The covering 20 wraps from an exterior side of the box to an interior side of the box.

A possible method for applying the exterior covering 20 can comprise the following steps. Apply a coating of adhesive to the box using, for example, spray adhesive. Apply fabric or paper to exterior surfaces of the box while optionally using a straight-edge to smooth the fabric or paper to prevent air pockets. Trim the fabric or paper to fit the box sides, optionally allowing the fabric or paper to wrap around the edges to the interior of the box.

In addition to an exterior covering 20, the box may comprise an interior lining 21. FIG. 5 illustrates an exterior covering 20 and a lining 21 on a section X of the box of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates that the exterior covering may wrap around from the exterior side of the box to the interior side of the box. And, that the lining 21 can cover the interior side of the box and also overlap the interior portion of exterior covering 20. When the exterior covering 20 is a fabric material or other rough-textured material, the lining 21 provides a means to create a smooth and neat appearance to the interior surface of the box.

Lining 21 can be affixed to the box by coating the exposed interior surface of the box with spray adhesive, and then contacting the lining L and optionally using a straight-edge to smooth the fabric or paper to prevent air pockets. Spray adhesive may also be applied to interior portions of the exterior covering 20 in sufficient quantities for the lining 21 to adhere to exterior covering 22.

When a transparent window material 22 is provided over the window area 10, and an exterior covering 20 is also provided, the exterior covering 20 may extend around the edges of the box that surround the pass through window area 10. The cut plastic sheet, or other transparent window material 22, will then be adhered to the portions of exterior covering 20 that extend onto the interior side of the box. This configuration can be seen in FIG. 6, which shows only one side of the box having window area 10. Lining 21 is shown pulled back at an area of the interior side of the windowed box.

In an alternative embodiment, the transparent material 22 can be adhered to an exterior surface of the box. The covering 20 can overlay a portion of the transparent material 22, but the covering 20 cannot wrap around to the interior of the box through the window area 10.

FIG. 7 shows a removably insertable shoe pad insert 30. The illustrated heeled shoes are not part of the invention. The insert 30 has several features to stabilize and protect heeled footwear resting on the insert 30. The insert 30 can be a styrofoam slab measuring to, for example, a thickness of ⅜ inch and otherwise measuring to the dimensions of the bottom of the box, which is sized sufficiently large to receive a pair of heeled shoes or other heeled footwear, such as boots.

Sole grooves 33 receive a respective sole of a pair of shoes. The sole groove 31 can be a rectangle sized, for example, 5 inches in length, 3.25 inches in width, and ⅛ inch in depth. The sole grooves 33 receive at least a toe portion of the footwear.

Heel grooves 31 are also cut into insert 30. The heel groove 31 can be a rectangle sized, for example, 2 inches in length, 1.5 inches in width, and ⅛ inch in depth. The heel grooves 31 receive at least a heel portion of the footwear.

On either side of the sole groove 33 are bumpers 34. Bumpers 34 can be a styrofoam material sized 2⅜ inches by 7/16 inches by 1¼ inches. The bumpers 34 are adhered on the long edges of each of the sole grooves 33 directly across from each other. The front of the bumpers should be placed 1½ inches from the front of the shoe sole groove 33, the front being where the toe of the shoe would rest. The bumpers primarily function to prevent lateral movement of the footwear, but may also be configured to function to support or protect a decorative item attached to the footwear.

Ramp supports 32 may also be adhered to insert 30. Ramp supports 32 may be assembled by adhering foam blocks together. One side of the mount may be carved into a slope. The grade of the slope should be sharp enough to prevent a shoe from sliding significant distances within the box, but the grade should also be selected sufficiently small so as to accommodate multiple shoe heights. The ramp supports 32 can be adhered to insert 30 on the raised spaces between heel grooves 31 and sole grooves 33.

The sizes of the shoe pad insert 30 and its components vary in size according to the size of the box and the shoes to be accommodated. The size of the box also varies in size according to the shoes to be accommodated, though a generalized design, capable of accommodating multiple shoe designs, is contemplated. Such a design could accommodate various shoe sizes and could also accommodate multiple heel heights.

FIG. 8 shows the insert 30 in a windowed shoe box without a pair of shoes. The third side 3 is removed in the drawing for ease of viewing.

To manufacture the insert 30, one can manually carve the heel indents 31 and sole indents 33. If the bumpers 34 are not integrally formed with the insert 30, a slightly weighted object may be placed on top of separately formed bumpers to apply pressure as an adhesive between the bumper 34 and the insert 30 dries. Ramps 32 may be integrally formed with the insert 30, or the ramps may be a multipiece or onepiece construction affixed to the insert 30.

Other mass production assembly methods are also contemplated, including molding techniques.

An alternative insert design is shown in FIG. 9. The insert 40 has a unified sole recess 43. Bumpers 44 are affixed or molded to an elevated rim 45. Ramps 42 are affixed or molded to elevated portions. Heel indents 41 abut the portions supporting ramps 42.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show alternative views of the shoe box. In FIG. 10, the transparent window area reaches to a lip portion. In FIG. 11, the opened box is viewed from an alternative angle.

FIGS. 12-17 illustrate individual side views, respectively, the left side 3, the right side 4, the front side 1, the back side 2, the top side 6, and the bottom side 5. Where appropriate, the overlapping lip portions 7-9 of the lid are shown. The top side 6 and lip portions 7-9 together form the lid.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative insert having a coil spring attachment 51 for replacing each of the ramps 32 or 42. An insert 50 is shown having the unified sole recess 43 of the second embodiment, though the coil spring attachment 51 may be used in place of ramps 32 in the insert 30 of the first embodiment. The coil spring attachment 51 has a heel cradle 52 and an arch cradle 53 attached to opposing ends of coil spring 54. A post or other mounting 55 is placed on the coil spring 54 to assist with mounting the coil spring to the insert 50. The insert 50 may include additional hardware for cooperating with the post or other mounting 55.

The coil spring has sufficient spring force when placed between a heel and an arch of a shoe to hold the shoe in place. However, the spring force is weak enough to avoid marring the shoe. Heel cradle 52 and arch cradle 53 may be integrally formed with the coil spring 54, or may be attached. The cradles 52 and 53 may be a plastic or other resinous material, and may include a cushioning material.

The box may comprise a variety of materials suitable for ensuring sufficient rigidity of the sides, including, for example, box-board, card-board, or poster board. Traditional manufacturing materials that allow for mass production are preferred. While foam-based and synthetic products may also be used to construct the box, recycled and easily recycled materials are most preferred.

The box may be covered on the exterior with a laminate sheet material, fabric, paper, or other decorative or sheet material. The exterior material is suitable providing at least one or more of the following: a surface upon which to provide a description of the contents, a decoration, additional rigidity, sealing engagement of box edges, or support for holding together the box edges.

The interior of the box may be lined with an additional sheet material, which may be the same or different from the exterior material. In addition, the interior lining may provide a smooth, neat appearance. In some embodiments, the lining on the interior of the box may provide additional protection or cushioning to the contents, and may provide additional decoration, rigidity, sealing engagement of box edges, or support for holding together the box edges.

A viewing window 10 may be provided in at least one surface of the box. The window may be covered with a transparent plastic 22. The transparent plastic 22 may be sufficiently larger in size than the window 10 in the surface of the box so as to be adhered to a surface of the box surrounding the window 10 in the box. The transparent material 22 may be adhered by, for example, adhesive spray glue. Other fixatives such as hot melt glue, settable resins, plastic or metal stays, brackets, or notches are also contemplated.

The transparent material 22 may be sandwiched between the interior lining material and an interior box surface. In the alternative, the window material may be sandwiched between the exterior lining and an exterior surface of the box.

Areas in the interior base of the box are designed to prevent shoes from scuffing each other, to support the shoe in an upright position, and to prevent the shoes from scuffing against the sides of the box. The design protects delicate shoe materials such as fur or suede, and the design may also comprise features to protect attachments to the shoe, such as straps, feathers, beads, buckles, or jewels.

A foam-type material may be used to construct the interior base of the box. Suitable materials for the insert can include, for example, foam, sponge, cork, felt, or compressed cellulose. A suitable plastic material may be used alone, or the plastic may be coated with a material such as the above insert materials, or coated with an additional material such as a rubber-type material or blown cellulose. Other suitable materials may be used, so long as they provide the requisite support, scuff prevention, and protection. The insert material may be custom-cut to receive features of the shoe, or the insert may be cut to approximate a specific shoe design or a generic shoe design. In addition, the insert may be manufactured as a one-piece or multi-piece assembly.

An additional alternative uses a foam-type or other material that is flexible enough to receive an impression from the shoe.

Yet another alternative uses a clip, snap, or spring in combination with a soft, non-scuffing, material, to firmly hold a shoe in place.

In the preceding specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various other modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

For instance, non-windowed containers can benefit from the improved shoe insert. And, the windowed container can be used without the insert. As another example, mass-production manufacturing methods may be implemented to create the box and insert.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

1. A container, comprising: a first side comprising an opening in a center portion and four edge portions; a second side parallel to the first side, the second side comprising four edge portions; a third side perpendicular to the first side and the second side, the third side spanning between the first side and the second side, the third side comprising four edge portions; a fourth side perpendicular to the first side and the second side, the fourth side spanning between the first side and the second side, the fourth side being parallel to the third side, the fourth side comprising four edge portions; a bottom side with edge portions integrally formed with edge portions of each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side; a top side parallel to the bottom side, wherein an edge portion of the top side is integrally formed with second edge portion of the second side.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the top side further comprises a lip formed on the top side edge portions that are not integrally formed with the second edge portion.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein edge portions of the first side, the third side, and the fourth side are held in contact with each other by at least one of an adhesive, a fastener, and a sheet material.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the sheet material is one of a fabric, paper, or other laminatable material.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the integrally formed edge portions of the second side are flexible, such that the container can be opened and closed by lifting the top portion away from the first side, the third side, and the fourth side.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the integrally formed edge portions of the second side are flexible, such that the container can be further opened and closed by moving the second side angularly away from the third side and the fourth side.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the opening in the first side is covered with a transparent material.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the first side comprises a first surface and a second surface, and the transparent material is affixed to one of the first side or the second side.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, and at least one sheet material is applied to at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein: edge portions of the first side, the third side, and the fourth side are held in contact with each other by an adhesive or a fastener, the second side is movable along two edge portions the top side is movable along one edge portion, the container comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, at least one sheet material is applied to the interior surface, at least one sheet material is applied to the exterior surface, and the adhesive or fastener is between the at least one sheet material of the interior surface and the at least one material of the exterior surface.
 11. The container of claim 1, further comprising an insert configured for holding footwear.
 12. The container of claim 11, wherein the insert comprises at least two indentations for holding heel portions, at least two upward projections for holding arch portions, and at least four bumpers for preventing lateral movement of toe portions.
 13. A tray for holding footwear comprising: a surface comprising: at least one indentation for holding toe portions; at least two indentations for holding heel portions; at least two upwardly projecting portions for holding arch portions; and at least four upwardly projecting stays for preventing lateral movement of toe portions.
 14. The tray of claim 13, wherein the upwardly projecting portions and stays are one of integrally formed with the surface and affixed to the surface.
 15. The tray of claim 13, wherein the upwardly projecting portions comprise one of a ramp configuration or a spring configuration.
 16. The tray of claim 13, wherein the upwardly projecting portions each comprise a coil spring.
 17. The tray of claim 13, wherein the tray is removably insertable into a footwear container.
 18. The tray of claim 13, wherein at least the surface and stays comprise at least one of a foam, sponge, cork, or felted material.
 19. A tray removably insertable into a footwear container comprising: a surface comprising: at least one area comprising a material that can be compressed to hold toe portions; at least two areas comprising a material that can be compressed to hold heel portions; at least two upwardly projecting portions for holding arch portions; at least four upwardly projecting stays for preventing lateral movement of toe portions.
 20. The tray of claim 19, wherein at least the surface and stays comprise at least one of a foam, sponge, cork, or felted material, and wherein the upwardly projecting portions comprise at least one of a ramp and a coil spring. 